Specially Handmade Rakhis & Thalis By These Odisha Women In Great Demand

Balasore: It’s Rakhi Purnima on Sunday, a day when sisters lovingly tie this specially designed thread on their brothers’ hands.

Many rakhi shops which have sprung at places like ITI square, Station square, Phandi square, Cinema square and Vivekananda Marg here are doing brisk business.

One of the shops is unique as it has been opened by some women who are selling special handmade rakhis.

These Self Help Group (SHG) women have made eco-friendly rakhis, with the help of Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS). They have used Sabai grass, jute, macrame and rice to make these rakhis.

The price of each rakhi ranges from Rs 5 and Rs 30, informed SHG member Kalpana Moharana.

A special rakhi thali (plate) is also available in their shop.

“A thali consists of a rakhi, an earthen lamp, chocolates and Ganesha idol. The range is between Rs 100 and Rs 150,” she informed.

“We opened this shop on July 23. As most of these handmade rakhis are eco-friendly, people are liking our products. Rakhis made of clay are in high demand,” said Kalpana.

Selling these rakhis is helping these women earn some money for their families.

“I have two schoolgoing kids. To meet family needs and studies of my children, I joined the SHG three years ago,” Kalpana added.

Over 12,000 women of different districts of Odisha under various SHGs have been making rakhis this year.

Some women have taken training to make rakhis, while 200 others of Balasore Sadara block have picked up the art by watching YouTube channels.